POLICE have issued a single fixed penalty notice in Winchester city centre since the introduction of a 20mph speed limit over a year ago.

Figures obtained by the Chronicle show no drivers have been prosecuted for speeding in the city centre since the restriction was brought in last August.

It casts further doubt on the £90,000 project which was questioned last year after police told a council meeting that they would not enforce the limit. Winchester City Council's then-transport chief Cllr Mike Southgate branded the scheme pointless.

MORE: Police 'will not enforce' 20mph zone

At the time police staff told councillors that the city centre would instead be monitored by volunteer Speedwatch groups, popular in many villages but able only to issue warning letters.

The reduction from 30mph was designed to cut carbon emissions and encourage more people to walk or cycle to work.

A city centre Speedwatch has yet to be formed, although officers are encouraging residents to come forward.

Meanwhile, Hampshire civic chiefs are considering extending 20mph zones to villages such as Micheldever despite warnings from Winchester's current transport portfolio holder, Cllr Ernie Jeffs, that unrealistic limits would "create an unmanageable enforcement problem for the police".